Motor Trend magazine's 1993 Car of the Year, the Probe GT was also one amongst Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list in 1989, 1993 and 1994. The Ford Probe was produced from 1989 and 1997 and marketed in the European, Australian and north American markets. Ford Probe was a probable replacement to Ford Exp. It was also the most aerodynamic car ever released by Ford at that time. Originally, Probe was a term used by Ford for all its series of futuristic concept cars. Mechanically, the Probe was identical to the Mazda MX-6. From 1988 to 1992, MX-6 and Probe shared the Mazda GD platform and from 1993 to 1997, the Mazda GE platform. 1994 witnessed a special edition of the Ford Probe. This special edition arrived in Royal Plum Pearl Metallic Clearcoat and included purple colored material at the center of seats, 'Probe' stitched in purple on the floor-mats, and a purple colored 'Probe' emblem at the rear end of the car. However, in 1997 the Probe was discontinued as a result of dipping sales. The styling and the innuendo of the car attracted few car buyers. This was followed by the launch of a GTS model. This was no different from the previous Probe GT when it came to performance. However, the physical modifications were easily visible. Chrome wheels and a spoiler were included. Dual racing stripes in black or white extended from the front bumper to the rear bumper. The Probe's design was always considered ahead of its time and hence was even used in 'Back to the Future II' as cars of the future; albeit after some modification.